German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has encouraged Chinese companies to boost their investments in Germany while also urging Beijing to address market distortions during his visit to reset relations between the world’s second and third-largest economies.
During his inaugural trip to China as Chancellor, Merz, accompanied by a sizable business delegation, expressed his desire to strengthen economic connections with China, which was Germany’s top trading partner last year.
Merz highlighted the need to address existing challenges while acknowledging the excellent operating framework that has facilitated decades of successful collaboration between the two countries.
President Xi Jinping, emphasizing China’s commitment to being a dependable partner in an increasingly volatile global landscape, welcomed Merz’s remarks. Merz faces the challenge of redefining an economic partnership that is becoming less favorable to German interests.
Xi stressed the importance of strategic communication and mutual trust between China and Germany in light of the growing complexity and interdependence of the global environment.
